Carlton man killed in bicycle-van collision

A Carlton man was killed Tuesday afternoon when a van struck the bicycle he was riding north along Highway 47 about three-quarters of a mile north of Highway 99W.

Juan Huapeo Garcia, 56, died in the wreck, which happened about 5 p,m., Oregon State Police said.

State police gave this account:

Huapeo Garcia was riding on the northbound shoulder on a straight stretch of Highway 47. A white Ford van driven by Richard Phillip Travis King, 45, also was northbound. The van drifted onto the shoulder and hit the bicycle from behind.

The cyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from his bike. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The van driver was not injured. The investigation is contiuing.

The highway was closed for several hours while state police, the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Carlton police, the McMinnville Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation were on the scene.

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Comments

Dough

Riding on those country roads is dangerous enough, but with no helmet is crazy.Sorry for the bicyclist and the van driver.

08:03 am - Wed, August 13 2014

mcd

The van did not drift by itself unless there was a sudden mechanical failure of the steering system.

The driver was distracted or careless or reckless.

08:14 am - Thu, August 14 2014

Bufordthe1st

The OSP report states the driver said he fell asleep. Yet another incidence of a sleepy/drowsy driver hitting a cyclist here in McMinnville.The one last week was the same type of comment from the driver. If you are sleepy or distracted you should not be behind the wheel of a car. It could be your life or someone elses life that is impacted. All anyone has to do is think twice about it before you get into a car. They are a lethal weapon if not used with care. I wish both families peace and comfort during this sad time in their lives.

10:19 am - Thu, August 14 2014

Dog Lover

So sorry this happened. I wish people wouldn't ride their bikes on the highways. Saw two IDIOTS riding their bikes on Saturday afternoon on Hwy 47 into Carlton with small little child trailers on their back with dogs in them. On the hightway. The bikes were on the shoulder however the trailers, with the dogs, were halfway on the highway. Really?